Long trucks transport volume goods more cost-effectively and with significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional trucks – an argument that is increasingly important for many companies in the transport and freight industry. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) therefore fundamentally advocates strengthening this type of vehicle and supports the draft of a 14th amendment to the "Regulation on exemptions from road traffic regulations for vehicles and vehicle combinations with excess length," which, among other things, updates and expands the so-called positive list of approved routes.
Key Points at a Glance
- Long HGVs reduce CO₂ emissions and can help alleviate the driver shortage – without demonstrably leading to more accidents or road damage.
- The DIHK considers the draft of the 14th amendment regulation appropriate overall but still sees unresolved issues.
- The update cycles of the positive list are up to 20 months long; companies need faster planning reliability.
- New, aerodynamically optimised HGV cabs threaten to become incompatible with the current Long HGV regulation – this particularly concerns electric HGVs.
- The existing ban on the carriage of hazardous goods requiring labelling effectively excludes Long HGVs from consolidated freight and parcel transport, because these often contain a small proportion of items like paint, nail polish remover, or similar goods.
Background
A "long truck" is a truck or truck combination that exceeds the maximum lengths permitted in regular traffic and is therefore only allowed to be used on explicitly approved routes. These routes are defined in a so-called positive list, which is adjusted through amendment ordinances.
The currently planned 14th amendment ordinance expands this list once again and also extends the use of Long Truck Type 1 (extended semi-trailer) until the end of 2033 – with the prospect of eventual regular operation after revising the EU Directive 96/53.
Quickly Improving Investment-Relevant Aspects
To date, the use of long trucks has not resulted in more accidents or increased road wear; nor has there been a shift from rail transport to road transport, according to the DIHK. Since the last, 13th amendment ordinance, 20 months have already passed – a period that the business community has criticised as too long. As the last federal state, Berlin opened its entire subordinate road network to Long Truck Type 1 on 1 April 2026.
At the same time, the DIHK points out obstacles that the draft does not eliminate: excessively long update cycles, a de facto ban in groupage transport, and potential compatibility issues with modern, aerodynamically optimised vehicle generations. For companies that want to rely on long trucks, these are not minor issues – but directly investment-relevant concerns.
DIHK Demands
Update Positive List More Frequently
The DIHK advocates for amendment ordinances at least once, preferably twice a year, to provide companies with planning security promptly.
Interactive Digital Route Map
Instead of a static PDF file, the positive network should be accessible via an interactive map, which the industry has been demanding for a long time.
Incorporate Aerodynamic Length Exemptions into the Ordinance
The EU exemption regulations for longer driver cabins according to EU Regulation 2021/535 Annex XIII should be integrated into the national ordinance for all long truck types – enabling new, fuel-efficient and electrified models to also be used as long trucks.
Allow Dangerous Goods Transport in Shipping Units
The transport of commercial goods in UN-standardised packaging (shipping units according to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) should generally be permitted with long trucks to include groupage and parcel service providers.
Check Missing Routes
The connection A7 on-ramp/exit No. 85 "Bad Hersfeld-West" / B324 to GLS Germany-Str. 1–7 in 36286 Neuenstein should be examined for possible inclusion into the positive list.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a long HGV, and what is the purpose of the positive list?
Long HGVs are vehicles or combinations of vehicles that exceed the maximum lengths permitted in regular traffic. In Germany, they are only allowed on routes that have been officially reviewed and approved in a so-called positive list. This list is regularly updated through amendment regulations.
Why can't a long HGV operate everywhere?
For safety reasons, their operation is limited to suitable routes – such as those with sufficiently large on- and off-ramps, curve radii, and turning possibilities. Relevant authorities evaluate the suitability of a route and include it in the positive list if appropriate.
Why are long HGVs not allowed to transport hazardous materials requiring labelling?
The legal prohibition applies to hazardous materials requiring labelling under section 8(2) of the relevant regulation. This also includes many routinely packaged commercial products classified as hazardous materials, which makes long HGVs largely impractical for companies in groupage and parcel transport.
What are the challenges in using electric HGVs?
Modern, aerodynamically optimised cabs – the basis for many electric HGVs – are slightly longer than their predecessors under EU law. The current long HGV regulation does not explicitly account for this increased length. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates for amending the regulation to address this.
What are the climate protection benefits of long HGVs?
Since long HGVs can carry more cargo per trip, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per tonne of freight are significantly reduced. Companies in groupage transport estimate savings potential at 10 to 15 per cent of trips – potential that remains untapped due to the current hazardous materials prohibition.
Download
The DIHK statement of 31/07/2026 on the draft of a Fourteenth Ordinance amending the Regulation on exemptions from road traffic regulations for vehicles and vehicle combinations with excess length is available here: (only available in German).
- Download
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DIHK-Stellungnahme ÄnderungsVO 14 Lang-Lkw
- Information
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File format: PDF (accessible)
File size: 98 KB
Status of: August 2026
Page count: 4 pages
- Relevant in topic:
- Infrastructure
- Key areas:
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- Transportation
Released 31.07.2026
Modified 12.08.2026
Ansprechpartner
Dr. Patrick Thiele
Director National Transport Policy, Transport Industry